i
principal segments, fm'nislied throughout with alternate, distichous branches
of various lengths, closely placed, with rounded axils. The smaller bmnolies
are piimatifid, the larger bi- or even tri-pinnatifid ; the ultimate branchlets
obtuse. In y, the frond is nearly cylindrical, 4 -6 inches long, about half a
line in diameter, of nearly equal breadth throughout, with a simple stem,
furnished with branches gradually decreasing in length upwards, so that the
outline is conical. These branches are not strictly distichous, and their
ramidi, which are long, simple and very erect, are frequently inserted on all
sides of the pinnæ. 8, is one or two inches high, a line in width, tapering
gi-eatly to the base, bare of ramuli below, more or less pinnatifid or bi-pin-
natitid above, tbe ultimate laciniæ short. This variety almost always produces
in the tips of its ramuli urn-shaped or cup-shaped bodies (fig. 3. 4.),
filled with brandling, gelatinous, yellow filaments, the apex of one of which
is represented at fig. 6, composed of minute cellules lying loosely together,
with a row of larger cells running through the centre, and others resembling
drops of oil at tlieir tips. Fructificaiion ; 1 , ovate capsules, seated on the
ramuli, containing a tuft of pear-shaped spores; 2 . triparted tetraspores,
immersed in the surface cells of the ramuli. Colour varying, according
as the plant grows in places exposed to the sun, or the contrary, from
pale yellow, to greenish olive, olive-brown, and lurid-purple,
cartilaginous.
Few of the marine Algse exhibit a greater variety of forms and
sizes than tbe subject of this plate, which abounds on all the
British shores, and is found in equal plenty along tbe coasts of
the Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans, in the Tropical seas, and as far
south as Cape Horn. It commences to grow nearly at high
water mark, covering the rocks witb a stunted vegetation, of a
yellowdsh, or livid green, scarcely larger than the neighbouring
LicMna pygmma, and continues, increasing in luxuriance with
the increasing deptb of water, down to the region of the Laminaria,
where it reaches its highest developement, and perhaps •
extends to a greater deptb.
Among its varieties, the var. 7, angusta, has most the look of a
distinct species, and sometimes closely resembles L. obtusa, but
from tbat really distinct species it may be known by its colour,
the more erect, alternate ramuli, and by its place of growth;
L. obtusa being a parasitic plant. This variety is chiefly found
on loose stones, in gravelly places, and where fresh water runs
into the sea.
Laurencia pinnatifida has often, though not invariably, a hot
and biting taste, and was formerly eaten in Scotland under tbe
name of Pepper Dulse. It does not appear to have ever been in
much repute, as an article of food, and its use is now rare.
Fig. 1. L a u r e n c ia p in n a t i f id a , tbe normal condition. 2. Tlie variety e :—
both o f the natural size. 3. An urn-shaped, and 4, a cup-sliaped body from
the tips of var, f. 5. One of these laid open. 6 . Part of a filament from the
same. 7. Hamulus witb capsules. 8, Tuft of spores. 9, Tetraspores in
the ramuli. 10. A tetraspore. 11. L o n g itu d in a l section of the stem.